Current:Home > MarketsHow long should you boil potatoes? Here's how to cook those spuds properly.-InfoLens
How long should you boil potatoes? Here's how to cook those spuds properly.
View Date:2024-12-23 10:53:31
Did you know that when you are devouring your potato salad and mashed potatoes at Thanksgiving dinner, you are eating two different types of potatoes?
There are waxy potatoes, and then there are starchy potatoes – both used for different potato combinations.
Starchy potatoes are typically used for baked, mashed, fried or roasted potatoes because they have low moisture and sugar levels, but a high starch content, according to the Maine Potato Board. The low sugar content helps the potatoes collapse better.
Waxy potatoes have high moisture levels and low starch levels, which helps them hold their shape while cooking, according to the Maine Potato Board. They are used for salads or casseroles.
How long to boil potatoes
Starchy potatoes take about 45 minutes to cook, including the boiling start time and simmering finish, according to the Food Network. Potatoes like russets or Idahos are considered starchy. These are the types of potatoes that break down easily and are ideal for mashed potatoes.
Waxy potatoes take around 20 to 25 minutes to cook, including the boiling start time, according to the Food Network. New potatoes, red potatoes and fingerlings are all considered waxy potatoes. These potatoes will keep their shape in the pot, as long as they are not overcooked.
While there is no exact time measurement on how long to boil potatoes, there are estimates you can make based on the potatoes’ size, according to Bon Appetit.
- Baby potatoes: 10–12 minutes
- Small potatoes: 15–20 minutes
- Larger cubed potatoes: 30–40 minutes
If you want to check the doneness of your potatoes, slide a fork or butter knife into the potato. If your potato is meant to stay intact, like for a salad, you want the utensil to slide easily into the potato. If your potato is meant for something like mashed potatoes, then the utensil should easily slide in and out of the potato, according to Bon Appetit.
How long to boil corn on the cob?Your guide to perfectly-cooked corn.
How long to boil mashed potatoes
Rather than boiling “mashed potatoes,” you are boiling a starchy potato – to make mashed potatoes.
It is important to do everything you can to minimize the amount of water starchy potatoes absorb during boiling, so be very careful not to overcook them.
To prevent overcooking, cook the potato whole with the skin on. Once the potato is fork-tender, remove it immediately from the boiling water, according to the Food Network. Once the potato is cooled off you can peel the skins off and begin to make your meal.
If your potatoes are already cut and you need to boil them, make sure that as soon as the water comes to a boil, you reduce it to a simmer. If not, the potatoes will bump one another and release more starch, making them gummy, according to the Food Network. After they finish cooking lay them on a sheet pan so the steam evaporates and they dry out a bit.
Just Curious for more?
Here at Just Curious, we're looking into all of your questions. From "Why is my dog panting so much?" to the requirements of being the president to information on the healthiest nut. Make sure to check out USA TODAY's Just Curious section for more trivia, tidbits and information you might want to know.
veryGood! (1139)
Related
- ‘COP Fatigue’: Experts Warn That Size and Spectacle of Global Climate Summit Is Hindering Progress
- Woman ID'd 21 years after body, jewelry found by Florida landscapers; search underway for killer
- Prosecution rests in the trial of a woman accused of killing her Boston police officer boyfriend
- Don’t blink! Summer Olympics’ fastest sport, kitesurfing, will debut at Paris Games
- Jared Goff stats: Lions QB throws career-high 5 INTs in SNF win over Texans
- Ex-gang leader facing trial in Tupac Shakur killing seeking release from Vegas jail on $750K bail
- Jennifer Lopez Hustles for the Best Selfie During Italian Vacation Without Ben Affleck
- Pursuit of Milwaukee carjacking suspects ends with police shooting 2 teens in stolen vehicle
- How Kim Kardashian Navigates “Uncomfortable” Situations With Her 4 Kids
- National Smoothie Day 2024: Get deals, freebies at Jamba Juice, Tropical Smoothie, more
Ranking
- Bankruptcy judge questioned Shilo Sanders' no-show at previous trial
- North Carolina lawmakers appeal judge’s decision blocking abortion-pill restrictions
- Hawaii residents fined $20K after Hawaiian monk seal pup mauled by unleashed dogs
- Prosecution rests in the trial of a woman accused of killing her Boston police officer boyfriend
- Georgia House Democrats shift toward new leaders after limited election gains
- Emma Stone's New Brunette Hair Transformation is an Easy A
- When does Sha'Carri Richardson run at US Olympic trials?
- University board announces new chancellor at NC A&T
Recommendation
-
California voters reject measure that would have banned forced prison labor
-
Perfect Match’s Jess Vestal and Harry Jowsey Reveal What Went Wrong in Romance Off Camera
-
Athletics to move to 1st week of 2028 Olympics, swimming to 2nd week, plus some venues changed
-
Chef Gordon Ramsay says he wouldn't be here without his helmet after cycling accident left him badly bruised
-
Krispy Kreme is giving free dozens to early customers on World Kindness Day
-
Biden campaign targets Latino voters for Copa América
-
Messi and Argentina overcome Canada and poor surface, start Copa America title defense with 2-0 win
-
Delaware lawmakers sign off on $6.1 billion operating budget for the fiscal year